University of Houston Athletics
Cougar football continues break from routine
9/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 24, 2003
HOUSTON, Texas - With six days remaining before the University of Houston takes the field against the East Carolina Pirates in Greenville N.C., the Cougars had a similar to Tuesdays practice in which the players wore shorts and shoulder pads instead of their full gear.
Houston will take Thursday off and return to a regular practice schedule on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They will take on the Pirates on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. (CST) in front of a nationally-televised audience on ESPN2.
Head coach Art Briles said the change of pace is good for the team because it gives them the opportunity to work on areas they aren't able to work as much during a regular practice week.
"Yesterday and today were similar," Briles said. "We're working on improving our strength and then going out and going recognition and repetition then scrimmaging the guys who haven't played as much. We'll take tomorrow off and start a regular work week Friday."
Briles said the scrimmage was intended to show appreciation for the players who do the work not seen on game day.
"The main thing is it is a chance for us to acknowledge them, work with them, let the other players watch them and a chance to repay them for all they do for us to get through the season and helping us prepare for each weeks opponent. It's a good deal for them and kind of a repay for us, letting them have some fun and play a little bit."
Briles said the extra time off before playing on Tuesday night is a good thing for the team.
"It's a real positive, any break in routine is refreshing," Briles said. "We've been doing the same thing since August 5, so this has been a refreshing break for us. I think it falls perfectly, we're excited about where we're at and now we just have to go take care of business next Tuesday."
